After snowfall postponed Tuesday's matchup, the Akron RubberDucks braved the elements Wednesday to take on the Trenton Thunder in a double header. Akron took the first game, but lost the second 1-0 as both offenses stalled. While the RubberDucks pitching staff performed well in both games, the Thunder still clinched the series victory.

The Akron RubberDucks made their first appearance at Canal Park over the past week, debuting their new mascot and the rebranded franchise (for pictures from the event, see the article IBI had on Saturday). Unfortunately for the RubberDucks, the team dropped four of seven over the past week, falling to 5-6 on the season. There were still great performances from Bryson Myles, the left-handed relievers, and much more. Join Jim Piascik with the weekly Akron notebook, Burning Tread with the RubberDucks.

While they kept up with the opposition in total hits, the Akron RubberDucks lost to the Trenton Thunder, 2-0, Monday. Duke von Schamann pitched five no-hit innings, but they came in relief of Gabriel Arias, who gave up two runs on five hits over four innings pitched.Trenton starter Bryan Mitchell controlled the Akron offense all day, going six innings of shutout baseball and giving up just four hits while striking out 12 RubberDucks.

The IBI Hot List returns this week with the first edition recapping the hot performances to date in the Indians system. This listing is a quick rundown through the hottest and some of the coldest players in the Indians system over the past seven days with news and insight into their performances. The IBI's Tony Lastoria ranks the performances of them all, including names like Aguilar, Bauer, Myles, Merritt, Lucas, Head, Ferrell and more!

Bowie’s Garabez Rosa smacked a three-run home run during a six-run fourth inning Sunday afternoon, and the Baysox slipped by the Akron RubberDucks, 7-5, before a crowd of 4,208, at Canal Park. Rosa, the EL leader in RBI, increased his total to 14 on the season with an opposite field homer to right field off Akron starter Kyle Davies (0-1).

The Akron RubberDucks won a tightly contested game against the Bowie Baysox Saturday, 6-5. Will Roberts pitched 5.1 innings while Bowie starter Zach Davies was forced out of the game after being hit by a come-backer in the second inning. Bryson Myles hit a key two-run homer while super-prospect Francisco Lindor added a triple as Akron finished with five extra-base hits.

Akron RubberDucks shortstop Francisco Lindor led off the bottom of the 13th with a walk off home run to center field Friday night, handing the RubberDucks a hard-fought, 2-1 victory over the Bowie Baysox at Canal Park. It was Lindor’s second homer of the season, and snapped an 0-12 slide at the plate for the Indians star prospect. The timely blast ended the marathon game at 3-hours and 49-minutes.

As a soon-to-be 24-year-old just now debuting at Double-A, Joe Wendle is bound to have some questions about his future. So far in 2014, Wendle is doing what he does best to answer those questions -- hitting -- and Thursday night was no different. Joining Wendle is a catcher in Lake County continuing his development, some rough pitching performances throughout the system, and much more. Join Jim Piascik as he takes you Around the Farm.

The RubberDucks stranded ten runners in Thursday's home opening loss against the Frederick Keys 6-3. Akron outhit the Keys, but were unable to capitalize on their opportunities ending the night batting 1-10 with runners in scoring position. RubberDucks top pitching prospect, Cody Anderson, also had some troubles in his first home start of the season.

Death, taxes (which Jim Piascik finished last night), and #WashTime making noise on the field. Anyone familiar with Cleveland's minor league system knows to expect great things when LeVon Washington is on the field and Wednesday was no exception. Joining Washington is a Lake County pitcher showing some surprising swing and miss in his game, a pair of organizational debuts with the RubberDucks, and more. Join Jim as he takes you Around the Farm.

The Akron RubberDucks jumped out to an early lead and ended up beating Altoona, 5-4, Wednesday. Starter Gabriel Arias pitched five strong innings while Akron collected nine hits as a team. Next up, the RubberDucks are set to head home to Akron to debut new uniforms and a renovated stadium.

Altoona Curve outfielder Willy Garcia was hit-less in his last eight at bats, including five strikeouts; however, in the bottom of the ninth inning, he made-up for his poor start with a walk off, solo home run off of Tyler Sturdevant to seal the victory for the Curve 4-3 over the Akron RubberDucks. The loss drops the RubberDucks to below .500 for the season (2-3).

The Akron RubberDucks made it through their rain soaked first week at .500, splitting a four-game series with the Binghamton Mets. Strong performances from top prospects like Francisco Lindor, Cody Anderson, and Joe Wendle led the way during the RubberDucks' first week, but that was far from the whole story. Join Jim Piascik as he bids adieu to the old Akron "Launching off with the Aeros" notebook and introduces the new edition: Burning Tread with the RubberDucks.

The Akron RubberDucks rallied late, but fell just short losing 5-4 to the Binghamton Mets on Sunday to split the season opening series. In his season debut, starter Will Roberts made his return to the RubberDucks after a rocky 2013 season started 2014 much better giving Akron a good opportunity to come away with a win, but fell just short.

After missing out on Friday action due to weather, the Akron RubberDucks split a double header with the Binghamton Mets Saturday. Akron lost 6-3 in the first game, but took a 3-0 shutout in game No. 2. Toru Murata tossed five shutout innings of three-hit ball to highlight the day.

Sure, the major league club started playing games on Monday, but *real baseball* is finally back in your lives now that the Akron RubberDucks and the Carolina Mudcats kicked off the minor league season! The stars of tomorrow started their seasons of today, with players like Giovanny Urshela doing their best to answer all of the questions about them in one game. Join Jim Piascik as he reintroduces an IBI staple into your life and takes you Around the Farm.

It is opening day in the minor leagues. Tonight three of the Indians full season affiliates Triple-A Columbus, Double-A Akron and High-A Carolina will open while Low-A Lake County opens up their season on Friday. In our annual preview of the Indians minor league system, several IBI writers share their thoughts on what to watch this season, who can breakout, and so much more.

Baseball returned to Northeast Ohio Monday evening in fine fashion as it was big brother putting the hurt on little brother at Classic Park in Eastlake as the debut of the Akron RubberDucks handled the Lake County Captains 11-1 in exhibition play.

The 2013 Akron Aeros failed to repeat as Eastern League champions, finishing with a 68-73 record, but the first year under new owner Ken Babby proved to be a success. Babby brought a new energy to Canal Park, an energy that spread into the offseason. Canal Park now features a new restaurant above right field, picnic and premium seating in the outfield, and most importantly, a rebranded team: the Akron RubberDucks. Join Jim Piascik as he previews the 2014 RubberDucks.

Minor league camp wrapped up on Saturday and on Sunday all players arrived at their full season destinations. With that, a little over 100 minor league players are set to open the season on Thursday or Friday this week at Triple-A Columbus, Double-A Akron, High-A Carolina and Low-A Lake County. Here are the rosters!

Available IBI Books

The 2014 Cleveland Indians Baseball Insider book featuring the Indians' Top 100 Prospects and more is now available. Also, previous editions from 2008-2012 are also available at a discounted rate. Just click on the book image for more information. Thanks again for all the support!